NRL $20,000+ State of Origin Game 3 Line-Up

State of Origin III has been set up perfectly by the first two games with the Blues smashing the Maroons in the first game and Queensland responding with a last gasp victory in game two. Queensland lose two experienced superstars in Johnathan Thurston and Darius Boyd which means two more debutants will be blooded. Given the Blues go in unchanged, how Cameron Munster and Ben Hunt handle the big stage will be pivotal in the final result.

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Here is a team you may consider for the $20,000 State of Origin 3 contest

Front Row Forward

Andrew Fifita ($15,450)

Fifita was simply unstoppable in game one, racking up 183 metres and a try in a truly dominant performance. In game two, however, he ran just 93 metres at just 5.8 metres per run and Queensland’s ability to restrict his production was pivotal in their victory. Fifita has already spoken out in the media about his desire to exact revenge on the Maroons and if New South Wales are to win, Fifita will have to give them the sort of thrust forward in attack that he showed in game one.

Dylan Napa ($8,900)

After expending all of his energy early in game one, Napa showed a more mature display in game two and was impactful on both ends of the park. His 119 metres gave Queensland plenty in attack, while his 30 tackles showed an impressive work rate. His intensity is a real key for an inexperienced Queensland forward pack and there is no doubt that Kevin Walters will want him out on the field for the majority of the game.

Hooker

Nathan Peats ($11,800)

In his first ever Stat of Origin series, Peats has been phenomenal for the Blues, playing 80 minutes in both games. His main impact has come defensively, where he has made 110 tackles for just 5 misses and has completely thwarted his opposite number, Cam Smith’s attack. Coming into game three Peats is likely to play 80 minutes once again and will rack up the enormous tackling numbers that have made him incredible value in Origin so far.

Second Row Forward

Josh McGuire ($10,900)

Despite suffering a concussion in his last game, McGuire will have had over a fortnight to recover and should be raring to go for Origin three. McGuire has been a standout for the Maroons in both games, providing them with hard-nosed defence through the middle where they desperately need it. In attack, he’s run 126 and 117 metres respectively in the two games which is slightly below his NRL output but is still extremely solid. As a leader of this young team, McGuire will be looking to stamp his authority in a crucial game.

Gavin Cooper ($10,300)

Cooper re-entered the Queensland team for game two thanks to his combination with Johnathan Thurston and his ability to play huge minutes. While Thurston is gone, the latter remains and it makes him a great option in this contest. In Origin two, his edge was attacked relentlessly and he handled the challenge with aplomb, making 47 tackles. In attack he ran 108 metres and there is no doubt he will be asked to play a similar role in game three.

Centre

Will Chambers ($7,700)

Despite some mediocre club form, Chambers has been phenomenal in both Origin games, providing the Maroons with some excellent running performances. He’s averaging 162 metres, three offloads in the first two games and had a crucial try assist in game two. With inexperienced pair Michael Morgan and Valentine Holmes starting on the left flank for Queensland, there is every chance that Chambers and winger Dane Gagai are asked to do even more in attack than in the previous two games.

Half

Cooper Cronk ($10,600)

In what could well be his last Origin game, and with Queensland missing Johnathan Thurston, Cronk will be looking to cement his place in Origin history against the Blues. With Thurston missing game one, Cronk was asked to do the lion’s share of the kicking and ended up with a whopping 488 kicking metres but was largely restricted by the Blues in attack. With the Maroons employing his partner in the halves at club level to replace Thurston, there is every chance that Cronk thrives with that combination and has a massive say in Queensland’s attack.

Wing/Fullback

Josh Dugan ($12,400)

New South Wales have already expressed their desire to attack Michael Morgan in defence, with the Cowboys’ half playing an unfamiliar position for the first time at this level in a crucial game. This should see Dugan being given plenty of opportunities to run at his opposite number in an attempt to unravel the new Queensland left edge combination. While he hasn’t been at his best this series, Dugan has the ability to make massive metres, keep possessions alive with offloads and find the try line at any stage, and he will be given every chance to do so in Origin three.

Dane Gagai ($11,400)

Gagai has been phenomenal at Origin level this season and was just as good in his last outing for the Knights, racking up 268 metres, 14 tackle breaks and two line breaks in an incredible performance. This shows the sublime form that he’s in and given he’s averaging 204.5 metres, 10 tackle breaks, a line break and a try per game in the first two games, he is an absolute bargain at just over $11k. Gagai and Chambers will be asked to provide plenty in attack for the Maroons and there is no doubt that he is in good enough form to capitalise on any defensive lapses from the Blues’ left edge.

The Line Up

FR-F: Andrew Fifita ($15,450)

FR-F: Dylan Napa ($8,900)

HOOK: Nathan Peats ($11,800)

2R-F: Josh McGuire ($10,900)

2R-F: Gavin Cooper ($10,300)

C: Will Chambers ($7,700)

HALF: Cooper Cronk ($10,600)

W/FB: Josh Dugan ($12,400)

W/FB: Dane Gagai ($11,400)

Salary Remaining: $550